Golf is one of the best lifelong sports for both boys and girls, and there are several places for kids’ golf lessons in Birmingham. In Alabama, kids can golf most of the year. The injury rate is low in gold, and what was once considered a sport for old, wealthy men is now more accessible than ever to all people! This is also one of the only sports that you can learn to play with your child and continue playing for many years.
My husband and son both enjoy golf, and it has been a great sport to teach my son respect for others, discipline, and good sportsmanship. It’s also a fantastic way to get all of us outdoors and in a different community of encouraging people.
Is My Child Too Young for Golf?
What Does My Child Need for Golf Lessons?
Some programs require you to bring clubs, but definitely ask if they provide loaner clubs to use until you know your kid is committed. Golf balls are usually provided. Ask if the course requires certain attire for children, too. Your child should wear comfortable clothing, like shorts or a skort, a t-shirt or collared shirt, tennis shoes, and a hat or visor. Don’t forget sunscreen! Some courses will have water stations, but not all do, so ask if your child should bring a water bottle.
When you are ready to buy golf clubs, see if your coaches know of any one who may be ready to sell their old clubs since kids can grow out of them every 1-2 years. For new clubs, US Kids Golf has great beginner clubs.
Where Can My Kids Learn To Play Golf?
In Birmingham, we are fortunate to have several public, private, and indoor places where your child can learn to play golf. Once your child learns the basics, sign them up for Youth on Course Alabama. This membership allows juniors to play rounds for $5 or less at top local public courses.
1. Highland Park Golf Course
Highland Park Golf Course is a public golf course that offers youth clinics, after-school programs, and seasonal camps for both beginners and advanced players. During certain times of the week, your child can attend a junior clinic led by US Kids Golf Top 50 Kids Coach and PGA Professional Paul Killgallon. These clinic sessions provide a fun, structured learning environment and are suitable for young players of all experience levels. If you are not ready to invest in golf clubs yet, the course will provide a free loaner set for you.
Seasonal programs at Highland Park include Nike Junior Golf Camps, PGA Junior League and Girls Golf LPGA/USGA.
Location: 3300 Highland Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35205
2. First Tee Birmingham
First Tee Birmingham is a public program that offers comprehensive youth development group classes that not only teach the game of golf, but also teach important life skills. Programs begin at 7 years old and take place at several golf courses around the area. Seasonal programs are $75, and their PGA Junior League for experienced golfers is $150. First Tee also partners with PE coaches in local schools and community organizations like the YMCA and Boys and Girls Club to offer introductory golf classes.
Location: 1209 1st Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233
3. Bent Brook Golf Course
Bent Brook Golf Course is a public golf course that offers private lessons and lesson packages. They have several golf pros on staff that teach junior golf lessons, and the cost varies depending on the coach your child works with. For more advanced players, Bent Brook offers PGA Junior League participation and hosts tournaments, including the Alabama Golf Association Junior Championship.
Location: 7900 Dickey Springs Road, Bessemer, AL 35022
4. Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail
The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail has several locations that offer junior golf lessons and Junior PGA League memberships. Their Ross Bridge and Oxmoor Valley locations are both in the Birmingham area. Contact the course nearest you for details on junior golf instruction.
Locations:
Oxmoor Valley
100 SunBelt Parkway, Birmingham, AL 35211
Ross Bridge
4000 Grand Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35226
5. Country Clubs
Most local country clubs offer junior golf lessons and opportunities to participate in a junior program, such Operation 360. Once your golfer is feeling comfortable with their swing, they may have the opportunity to participate in junior golf league programs like PGA Junior League or Drive, Chip, and Putt. If you are a member at a country club, ask your golf pro about junior lessons. Many private country clubs will allow non-members to participate in their programs if they are sponsored by a member.
6. Thompson Golf Academy
Thompson Golf Academy offers individual or group classes for junior golfers all year long at Magic City Indoor Golf. You never have to worry about the weather indoors, and their tech-driven coaching uses video swing analysis to fine tune your golfer’s swing. Their certified PGA Professionals also host outdoor classes at Pine Tree Country Club golf course.
Location: 1218 Alford Avenue, Hoover, AL 35226
7. Topgolf Birmingham
Topgolf Birmingham offers golf lessons for all ages in their all-weather bays. During the summer, kids can learn the basics in their Summer Academy. Practice can be a weekend event that is fun for the whole family!
Location: 1111 24th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35234
